Choosing the right reading

Much of my role as a celebrant involves lots of research: on the internet, where sites such as Pinterest are becoming a great source of inspiration, but also my many books of poetry, readings, song lyrics etc in order to find the right readings both to match the ceremony, the mood, the venue; as well as the personalities of the couple, and the theme of their wedding. I have found this reading for a couple who have booked a Cherish Ceremony for this April. They want something romantic, and very traditional (but nothing from Keats or Shakespeare, they said!)    I love this, and I hope you do, too:

For Marriage, by John O’Donohue [An Irish poet who died in 2008]

As spring unfolds the dream of the earth,
May you bring each other’s hearts to birth.
As the ocean finds calm in the view of land
May you love the gaze of each other’s mind.

As the wind arises free and wild,
May nothing negative control your lives.
As kindly as the moonlight might search the dark,
So gentle may you be when light grows scarce.

As surprised as the silence that music opens,
May your words for each other be touched with reverence.
As warmly as the air draws in the light,
May you welcome each other’s every gift.

As elegant as dreams absorbing the night,
May sleep find you clear of anger and hurt.
And as twilight harvests the day’s colours,
May love always bring you home to each other.

Email me judy(at)cherish-ceremonies.co.uk if you would like me to design your wedding ceremony, too!